By Maggie Swain
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Ashburn (September 12, 2016) – Stone Bridge High School senior Ryley Gill has chosen to continue her volleyball career at Division I Arkansas State University.
“To finally be committed to a Division I school is a dream come true,” Gill said. “I’ve dreamed of this day since I knew I wanted to play college [volley]ball.”
The 5-foot-5 libero started playing volleyball when she was four-years-old and officially began the recruiting process in her freshman year of high school.
“I began at the age of four just passing the ball with my mom just because my sisters were doing it,” Gill said. “I ended up loving it and have been playing on an actual team since age six.”
Gill has been a part of the varsity volleyball team at Stone Bridge for three years and last year helped her team win the VHSL 5A state championship.
“High school has made me learn how to work with other age groups and how it feels to be the youngest [or]oldest on a team,” Gill said.
Gill has received numerous accolades throughout her high school career, including an All-LoCo second team selection and a VHSL 5A North Region first team selection as well as being recognized as a VHSL 5A all-state libero.
“No one has pushed me harder than my parents, especially my dad,” Gill said. “Without my dad sending me to the gym, texting inspirational quotes to me and telling me to never stop going, I wouldn’t be the athlete and person who I am today.”
Last year, the Red Wolves had a successful season, going 28-2 in regular season and staying undefeated in the Sunbelt Conference.
“As a freshman, I’m hoping to bring enthusiasm and leadership to my class, showing my upperclassman teammates who I am as a person and as a player.” Gill said.
Arkansas State University is a public research university with a total of 9,857 undergraduate students. While playing volleyball at ASU, Gill plans to major in sports medicine.
